Thread: Nicks, Cuts & Beheadings (missing ear parts count too)

I shaved 3 times in the last week with a razor I KNOW needs a good honing (ie it's dull) and nothing happend besides a not so good shave (stubble). Shaved with a disposable gilette this morning and nicked my upper lip... go figure?

BrSpiritus

Worst cut I ever got was a small nick in my nose where it touches my upper lip. Hurt quite bad for such a minor cut.

Worst shave was when I was completely clueless, and used a dull razor and a really wrong angle, and scraped the hairs off instead of shaving. When I put on AS my neighbors must've heard me scream

Treat your razor with respect and don't get overconfident.
Follow Jimmy's advice and you should be fine, other than minor things that can happen to anyone.

Your face with a beard on it is quite tough. Like previous advice approach the skin slowly and with the razor almost flat. Almost all my cuts when I first started were due to the lack of depth perception in the mirror and hitting my skin with my razor. Go slow and just one pass N-S for the first couple of shaves and remember that if slight pressure is use then any cuts will be very superficial.

Take Care,
Richard

Welcome aboard mate! It can be quite daunting feat but reality is it's simple once you get used to it. We've all nicked ourselves one point or another. I myself have done so because I got distracted. Don't get distracted. Part of straight razor ( SR ) shaving is being able to be in that zen-like zone where nothing else matter but you and your blade. Imagine you're eating the culinary masterpiece the missus cooked or that fine piece of double double burger at In N Out with animal style fries. The same thing applies. You don't rush with a meal and you should apply the same principle with shaving.

I started out by doing sideburns with the grain ( WTG )-North to South.

I don't typically do a "normal" pass if you will. Instead I employ short buffing strokes which has worked for me and I'm sticking to it. One thing to remember is the razor should glide smoothly over skin no pressure at all. So even if you make a mistake the repercussions won't be so severe.

Eventually you'll get used to it. Nevertheless, you should never get overconfident. When you lose respect for the razor, believe me when I say this, the blade will bite and it will sting. Cut out all distractions.

You'll find that you'll get one of the best and closest shaves. You will never go back to disposable, electric or what have you.

Best of luck

I was stropping using my inside forearm when I accidentally slit my wrist, blood spurted into my eye temporarily blinding me - in the haze I decapitated myself. The aftershave afterwards was not a good idea...

I nicked the back of my ear the other day which decided to start bleeding some time afterwards while I was out having a meal. This was a talking point which led onto conversations about using straights.
I half-sliced through a small mole on my face at the same time (if my razor stops I stop then stare in the mirror until I'm sure there isn't any blood)
I suffer more from burn round the jawline and neck area than actually cutting myself.

Last week I took out the razor and shaved, when I finished I put it down opened on the towel. I went to close it up while not watching what I was doing and sliced open my thumb. This sucker bled pretty good and was kinda deep also, probably could have used a couple of stiches. My bathroom looked like I just slayed a cat or some other small animal, blood everywhere.

Hey you live and learn. It was my own stupid fault for not paying attention. Just a reminder to not be distracted when straight razor shaving, give it your undivided attention.

I cut myself a few times over the years, especially back in the 60's and 70's when I was drinking beer by the gallon.

I am tickled pink at your sense of humor. I keep a short list of members who exhibit any evidence of a sense of humor and you are now on my very short list. Be careful in the future and watch out for them there decapitations. They're dangerous!!!!!! You can actually get hurt there!!!!!

Well, there was this guy...
BBC - History - Historic Figures: Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890)

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Just remember if your are worried about injuries and start to frett about it you can be guaranteed it will happen. Just keep a positive attitude and respect the razor and you'll be ok.

This reminds me of one of the best pieces of advice I ever had about driving: center your attention on where you want to go, not on what you want to avoid.

~Rich

Originally Posted by rastewart

This reminds me of one of the best pieces of advice I ever had about driving: center your attention on where you want to go, not on what you want to avoid.

~Rich

Another piece of advice is..

'..if at first you don't succeed then skydiving isn't for you.'